“By being involved in 21st century, my grades improved,” said senior Chanel Logan. “It helped me work harder in my classes.”

21st Century is a mentoring program at Everett High school. This program allows students to build their math and english skills, while participating in other fun recreational activities.

“The students are responding very positively to the activities that we do with them,” said program assistant Robin Smith.

Every Tuesday, the mentors take students to the Oak Park YMCA to teach them self-defense and hip hop dancing. They also show them how to build strong bodies by playing basketball, volley ball and kick boxing.

The first hour of each day is devoted purely to academics. The goal is to get students to do something academic everyday.

The program also invites Michigan State University tutors and other certified teachers from around the area to participate so that extra help is available to those students who need it.

“Our theme is ‘let’s get it done,’” said new coordinator Ben Cater.

Being involved in this program allows students that do not participate in sports or other extracurricular activities to do something useful with their time.

“It keeps these students out of trouble, and helps them focus on their school work instead,” said Cater.